"I told (teammates) very positive things because I have been coming here to meet my family every year," he said on Monday. "I answered their questions and they have come, so thanks to them that they believed me.

Tahir grew up in Lahore wanting to play for Pakistan, and was picked for the national under-19 and A teams. He migrated to South Africa in 2006. Competition for places in Pakistan teams was hard, and he said, "It made me tough."

He made his debut for South Africa at the 2011 Cricket World Cup, and was the team's second highest wicket-taker.

"I am very proud and very happy where I am in my career," he said.

He's one of five South African cricketers in the World XI, along with captain Faf du Plessis, Morne Morkel, Hashim Amla, and David Miller.

"When I was told that these three matches could happen, probably I was the first one who said that I would love to go," Tahir said.

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